How we interpret relationships
The classification summarises a bilateral relationship as a whole; it is not an objective measurement or a prediction.
Five levels
Close cooperation: broad, sustained collaboration. Cooperation: collaboration predominates, despite differences. Mixed relationship: cooperation coexists with significant tensions. Strained relationship: disputes or restrictions shape the relationship. Confrontation: direct hostilities or military coercion dominate the relationship.
Facts and assessments are different things
The labels are developed with AI assistance and a review of evidence. The profiles explain history, trade, diplomacy, security and human connections; they are not written to justify a label. Official perspectives are attributed to their authors.
Data and limitations
Every figure retains its period, unit, source and status as an observation or estimate. Goods trade excludes services; an investment position is not an annual flow; trips do not count unique individuals. Unknown data are left blank. A relationship with insufficient information is not considered neutral.
This version does not use the previous model’s weighted six-component scores. A new source may require a reassessment of the interpretation, but it does not automatically change a classification.